Sponsored By

Style is fundamental in Olympic Skateboarding

Style is fundamental in Olympic Skateboarding

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

October 31, 2022, interview with Marcos Hiroshi

Subjectiveness, originality and fearless tricks are the secrets to success in Olympic skateboarding.

In this third part of the interview with Marcos Hiroshi we get a comprehensive view about how judges value a good trick. Stay foolish is still a good mantra.

How have the Olympics changed skateboarding in Brazil?

We got the power to advocate. Skateboarding now has the same importance and relevance as many other sports. Now we can talk to politicians and demand a skatepark like other sports demand new facilities.

Skateboarding is becoming more popular in Brazil…

Yes, even folks who didn't know anything about skateboarding are now more curious. People want to know more about skateboarding and hear stories about their heroes. The bad image of skateboarding belongs to the past. A rider is not an outcast anymore. Skateboarding is now a kid’s sport. It's something that brings all people together. It's more than just winning or taking over the other one to rule. The image of that girl being raised was a landmark in the Olympics. The Japanese skater, Misugu Okamoto, missed the podium after bailing a flip attempt and falling into the concrete bowl. While she was crying, other competitors showed up to hug her and lifted her on their shoulders, becoming one of the most powerful images of that competition. This was the perfect calling card of skateboarding. Now you have that uncle who during a family dinner is talking about the young girls who are rocking in skateboarding, like Rayssa Leal. That's a good thing, because people are interested in skateboarding and it unites people.

It is about empowerment.

Thanks to this, riders are receiving scholarships. They do not ride just to get a sponsor; they get money from the state or local government. That money will sustain the skater and that is a huge change! Furthermore, many specialists started to work on the backstage: therapists, physiotherapists, coaches, referees… people who became professionals. I was in Tokyo during the Olympics and people from other sports were saying ‘hey, I like the way things work in skateboarding.’ They got impressed.

You have conquered a place…

Yes, but we are having some disputes with Worldskate, which is more related to roller skate. Skateboarding wants to take their own decisions and follow its own path. Worldskate has nothing to do with skateboarding. Fortunately, skateboarding is rising in other countries due to the Olympics. I went to China recently and I noticed how powerful skateboarding is. I saw some exceptionally good things in Turkey too.

You are a judge member at skateboarding competitions, including the Olympics. How subjective is your analysis?

There is a fixed value for a trick. The extra comes from other factors like did he do that it at the limit, the speed, style... For that we give hundredths of a point and that is what makes the difference. Let us say a deep slide is worth 5,10 but the guy who does that perfectly and with style gets 5,86. We value the one who makes the difference. It's not like snowboarding, where there are mandatory maneuvers with a closed and fixed value. Subjectiveness is one of the more important parts of skateboarding. Style and individuality mean a lot, which is the essence of skateboarding. We stand to prevent riders to become robots.

How do the judges establish judgment rules?

The CBSK created referee courses to explain, in each state, how the evaluation system works. Judges learn how to take notes, what to pay attention to, etc.

Do you watch training sessions to?

Yes. In the Olympics we must watch all training sessions since day one.

Is there a specific training sessions’ number?

Yes. If a competition starts on Thursday, then Tuesday and Wednesday are dedicated to practice and official training sessions. That is when we see what the athletes are preparing and what they are going to do in competition. We start to study them on previous days. Based on that we, the judges, start to set an average to a special trick.

Give me an example.

Let us say we see a guy doing a flipnose blunt. We start to discuss: how much should we grade it? And then we start to make charts to divide it in those items that we talked about before. We go to the park, too, to try it. It is impossible to understand the difficulty level of the obstacles from a higher point of view. By going there, we see the distance between obstacles, how high they are, witch side is more difficult, if there is a crack. Those details will help us to have a full guide and to give a fair rate.

You must decide very quickly.

Because competitions have TV broadcasting, judges cannot debate rates, we must decide almost immediately. We have 15/20 seconds to do it. That is why we prepare everything in advance.

Is there a chance of a rider surprising you during a competition?

That is almost impossible. If a rider wants to show a new trick, he must try it before, at training sessions, where we are studying them. I remember one time a guy doing a Caballerial nose flip. He was just trying, but we started to debate ‘how are we going to score this if he does it during the competition’?

How many judges were you at the Olympics, in Tokyo?

Five judges and a head judge. I was a park judge.

Are the Olympics changing the skateboarding categories? Mixing styles in one competition is the future?

Yes, the future is to combine all features at one single track. The rider of the future will be the one who has not just a category, he must do everything well. It is by watching championships that you see who has that profile. Andy Anderson is a good example; he is someone from freestyle who rocks in park. Park is still too attached to bowl and vert; the future will be a fusion of all these categories.

Instagram Marcos Hiroshi Read interview part 2

By Manu Silva

Europe vs USA: Who Has More Skateparks?

A Tale of Two Continents on Four Wheels When people think about the heart of skateboarding, the United States usually takes the spotlight. From the iconic spots of California to the roots of modern street skating, the U.S. has played a huge role in shaping skate culture as we know it. But when it comes to numbers—how many places you can actually go skate—Europe quietly takes the lead. Let’s break it down. Size Matters (But Barely) At first glance, you might think the United States of America, has the upper hand just based on space. After all, it’s massive, right? Well, turns out Europe and the U.S. are nearly the same size. United States: 9.83 million square kilometers Europe: 10.18 million square kilometers That means Europe is just about 104,480 square kilometers larger—so, not a major difference in land area. Skatepark Numbers: Europe Pulls Ahead Now, here's where it gets interesting. Skateparks + Asphalt Pump Tracks in the USA: 3,740 Skateparks + Asphalt Pump Tracks in Europe: 9,831Yes, you read that right. Europe has over 2.5 times more skateparks and pump tracks than the United States. This includes everything from world-class concrete parks in places like Malmö (Sweden) or Barcelona (Spain) to modern asphalt pump tracks popping up across Germany, France, and Eastern Europe.People Per Park: The Real Density Battle Let’s bring population into the mix. How many people does each park serve on average? United States Population: ~332 million Europe Population: ~746 million Now let’s calculate: USA: 1 skatepark for every ~88,770 people Europe: 1 skatepark for every ~75,880 people Even though Europe has a significantly higher population, the number of parks keeps pace—and even beats the U.S. when it comes to accessibility. What Does This Mean? It flips the script a bit. While the U.S. may dominate skateboarding in terms of global influence, media, and history, Europe is quietly building a stronger physical infrastructure for the next generation of skaters. The sheer number of accessible spots, especially in smaller towns, makes Europe an underrated gem for skateboarding and pump track culture. In recent years, funding for public sports infrastructure in Europe has prioritized multi-use spaces like skateparks and pump tracks, especially in places like France, Germany, and the Netherlands. Local municipalities see the value not just in terms of sport, but community engagement and youth culture. The Bottom Line While the U.S. gave skateboarding to the world, Europe is giving it room to grow. If you’re a skater looking to travel, explore, or even relocate, Europe might be your new paradise. Whether you’re bombing hills in Lisbon, cruising pump tracks in the Alps, or skating DIY spots in Eastern Europe, the scene is alive and thriving.

Read More

Tui skatepark – stop #84 on our European skate tour

Tui Skatepark – A Hidden Spot with Good Vibes on Our Euro Tour Sometimes, the best sessions happen in the most unexpected places. On our way from Lisbon to Vigo, we stumbled upon Tui Skatepark, a small but scenic spot tucked away in the border town of Tui, Spain. Let’s be real—this isn’t the most high-end park you’ll ever skate. The setup is pretty basic, but it’s got just enough to keep you entertained. A couple of rails, ledge, manual pad, some small ramps, and a basic layout that makes for a solid session if you’re just looking to mess around and cruise. What really makes this place stand out, though, is the location—surrounded by nature, with fresh air and good vibes all around. Even though the park itself isn’t a must-skate destination, it’s the kind of spot that reminds you why skateboarding is all about the journey. No matter where you are, there’s always something to skate, and that’s what keeps the adventure rolling. Check out our latest video to see what went down at Tui Skatepark! 🚀🔥

Read More

Odivelas skatepark - European Skatepark Tour – EP 83

Exploring Odivelas Skatepark: A Classic Portuguese Skate Spot Reimagined Our journey across Europe's skateparks continues, and this time we’re stopping at one of Portugal’s most iconic skate destinations—Odivelas Skatepark. Known to locals as "Torre do Skatepark," this legendary spot has been a staple of the Portuguese skateboarding scene for decades. Located in Odivelas, Lisbon, this park holds a special place in the hearts of skaters, both for its historical significance and its impressive evolution. Originally built as one of Portugal's first major skateparks, Odivelas has long been a gathering place for skateboarders of all levels. In 2020, the park underwent a major renovation led by Wasteland Skateparks and Apark, the former Academia dos Patins, bringing a fresh, modern feel to its well-loved features while preserving its raw essence. The revamped Odivelas Skatepark now boasts a smooth concrete bowl integrated with a halfpipe, providing endless lines for transition skaters. The street section, though compact, is thoughtfully designed with ledges, banks, and rails, ensuring that every skater, regardless of style, finds something to enjoy. As part of our mission to document and explore skateparks across Europe, we couldn’t pass up the chance to experience Odivelas firsthand. In our latest video, we take you through the park, showcasing its unique features, the local skate scene, and the smooth flow that makes this place a must-visit. Join us as we dive into the world of Odivelas Skatepark. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or simply a fan of great skate spots, this video tour will give you an inside look at what makes this park so special.

Read More

Cantelowes Skatepark: A London Skateboarding Landmark

Origins in the 1980s and Early Popularity of Cantelowes Skatepark Cantelowes Skatepark, located in Cantelowes Gardens in Camden, north London, traces its roots back to the late 1980s. The original skatepark was a basic concrete facility built by the local council, and by 2007 it was about 20 years old​. Despite its rough design (the concrete eventually cracked and the layout was considered rudimentary), the park quickly became a beloved spot for skaters from all over London​. Throughout the 1990s, Cantelowes developed a reputation as a core skate spot. Local skateboard jams were common – skaters would gather for informal contests or just to session the park together. ​ The original park’s simple banks and ramps still drew riders from across the city​. Many notable UK skateboarders of the era paid visits to Cantelowes. For example, in the late 90s pro skater Scott Palmer famously landed a high kickflip-to-fakie on Cantelowes’ steep concrete bank. Fellow British pros like John Rattray and Paul Shier also pulled off memorable tricks on that same bank (including a lofty melon grab over the fence and a caballerial flip), further cementing the park’s place in local skate lore​. Even earlier in the 90s, legendary UK photographer Skin Phillips shot Carl Shipman at Cantelowes for RAD magazine, an indication that the park was on the radar of the wider skateboarding media​. In short, by the turn of the millennium Cantelowes Skatepark was considered a historic part of London’s skate scene – scrappy and aging, but important as a gathering place and proving ground for skaters. Community-Driven Redevelopment in 2007 By the mid-2000s, it was clear that Cantelowes Skatepark needed a major upgrade. Camden Council initiated a £1.5 million redevelopment of Cantelowes Gardens, which included replacing the aging skatepark​. Rather than leave the design solely to hired contractors, a group of local skaters and BMXers – nicknamed the “Cantelocals” – became deeply involved in the project​. Veteran skaters Matt Elms, Jeremy Donaldson, Hareth Pochee and others volunteered their professional skills (in architecture, engineering and construction) to help plan and oversee a “world-class” skatepark rebuild on their old stomping ground​. The team secured funding (including a grant from Sport England) and collaborated with a skatepark contractor (Wheelscape) to make their vision a reality​. Construction took place in 2006–2007, and the new concrete park was completed in spring 2007. A launch party in April 2007 celebrated the reopening, drawing a huge crowd of skaters and families to Cantelowes Gardens; the atmosphere was “brilliant,” with music and a sense of pride in the community-built facility​. The rejuvenated Cantelowes Skatepark now featured modern, high-quality concrete obstacles and promised longevity that the old park lacked. Features and Evolution of the New Skatepark The 2007 reconstruction transformed Cantelowes into one of the premier skateparks in the UK. The design the Cantelocals came up with offers something for everyone – from beginners to seasoned pros. The centerpiece is a sprawling concrete bowl complex, often praised as one of the biggest and best outdoor bowls in Britain​. This bowl has multiple sections of varying depth (including a deep end with pool-style coping and a unique “cradle” or clam-shaped over-vertical section), plus hips and roll-in entry points that let skaters flow through different lines​. Wrapping around the bowl is an L-shaped street course, which incorporates flat banks, a large banked hip, ledges, manual pads, a rail and other street obstacles​. This mix of terrain means the park caters to various styles – riders can carve the bowl, then hop out to hit street lines along the perimeter. The entire park is all concrete, providing a smooth, fast surface (a deliberate choice to avoid the bumpy tarmac and noisy metal ramps that plagued lesser skateparks)​. Cantelowes also remained free to use and open to BMX riders, inline skaters and scooters as well, keeping with its roots as a community youth facility. Over the years since reopening, minor additions and wear-and-tear have occurred (some ledges are a bit worn now​), but overall the park’s layout remains as built in 2007. Importantly, Cantelowes Skatepark has continued to be a focal point for the skateboarding community – a place where young skaters hone their skills and veterans gather to skate for fun. Its combination of historic legacy and top-notch modern design makes it a must-visit spot. In fact, many describe it as “widely recognised as one of the biggest and best” skateparks in London, if not the entire country​. Notable Events, Tricks, and Famous Visitors Throughout its history, Cantelowes Skatepark has hosted numerous events and attracted famous skaters, further underlining its importance in the skate community. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the park saw grassroots “jam” competitions organized by locals – sessions that often became legendary. After the renovation, Cantelowes gained international attention when Quiksilver selected it as the UK venue for their Bowlriders contest series in 2007. This meant that out of all parks in the country, Cantelowes was chosen to host the British qualifier for a Europe-wide bowl-riding championship. The inaugural Quiksilver Bowlriders event at the new Cantelowes was a highlight: top bowl skaters from around the UK (and some from abroad) shredded the new bowl in front of a crowd. Local up-and-comer Ben Raemers took first place in the UK finals held at Cantelowes in May 2007, securing his spot to represent Britain at the Bowlriders finals in Malmö, Sweden​. This was a breakout moment for Raemers – who would go on to become a celebrated pro skater – and it firmly put Cantelowes on the map as a competition-grade park. The following year, Quiksilver Bowlriders returned to Cantelowes (May 2008) for another full day of “bowl orientated mayhem,” again drawing big names and solidifying the park’s reputation for hosting high-caliber events​. Cantelowes’ iconic bowl has also been the stage for some remarkable tricks captured in skate videos and magazines. During the Quiksilver contests, for instance, renowned Spanish skater Javier Mendizábal wowed onlookers by pulling a frontside rock-and-roll on the bowl’s cradle – a challenging move on an over-vertical feature – which he later recalled as a standout memory​. It was at that same event that Mendizábal met a young Ben Raemers for the first time, exemplifying how Cantelowes became a crossroads for international and local talent​. Over the years, various skate videos and demo reels have included footage at Cantelowes, taking advantage of its mix of obstacles; even the National Lottery featured the skatepark in a commercial, highlighting it as a successful community project (some of the funding for the park came via lottery grants). Prominent UK pro skaters such as Lucien Clarke and Chewy Cannon have been spotted at Cantelowes during London skate tours, and the park is frequently visited by traveling skaters from around the globe who want to test out its famed bowl. In the 2010s, Cantelowes also became a favorite training ground for younger skaters – for example, in interviews, London youth skaters have cited Cantelowes as one of their favorite places to skate, noting the “massive” bowl and the camaraderie they find there​. Importance to the Skateboarding Community Cantelowes Skatepark’s evolution from a humble 1980s local spot to a modern, world-class facility encapsulates a larger story of the UK skateboarding community. It stands as a testament to skaters taking initiative – the 2007 rebuild was community-driven, resulting in a park built by skaters, for skaters. This has made Cantelowes a source of pride in London’s skate scene. The park provides a free, outdoor space where generations of skaters have learned to drop in, refine their kickflips, or attempt their first airs in a bowl. Its location in Camden – long known for alternative culture and youth activities – further anchors skateboarding as part of the local community fabric. Cantelowes has hosted charity skate jams, lessons for kids (local skate coaches often use it for teaching), and it draws a diverse crowd of riders. As one North London skate club described it, Cantelowes offers “a lot to offer both beginners and the more experienced skater,” creating a welcoming atmosphere for all​. In terms of legacy, Cantelowes is frequently mentioned alongside other historic London skate spots like South Bank and Harrow. However, unlike some spots that have faced threats of closure or redevelopment, Cantelowes benefited from proactive investment and continues to thrive. Its successful renovation has even served as a model for other communities – showing how involving local skaters can result in facilities that truly meet the needs of the scene. Today, Cantelowes Skatepark is both a high-quality skate destination and a living piece of London skateboarding history. From the days of cracked concrete and DIY contests in the 90s, to hosting pro competitions and video shoots in the 2000s, and now anchoring a new generation of skaters, Cantelowes has continually evolved while maintaining its core spirit. In the words of one skater involved in its rebuild, there has always been “a lot of excitement about this in the skateboarding world”​– a sentiment that remains true as Cantelowes Skatepark carries its legacy forward.Visist Cantelowes skatepark on skate map

Read More

Stockwell Skatepark: London's Iconic OG Concrete Playground

Stockwell Skatepark: The OG Brixton Bowls Spot If you’ve ever skated London, you probably already know about Stockwell Skatepark—aka Brixton Bowls or Brixton Beach. This legendary spot has been holding it down since 1978, making it one of the oldest skateparks in the UK. It’s a pure concrete paradise, no nonsense, just raw flow, speed, and a legacy of skaters carving lines here for decades. The Setup Stockwell isn’t your standard skatepark with ledges, rails, and perfect transitions. Instead, it’s an organic, free-flowing landscape designed by Lorne Edwards, the same dude who built the first UK skatepark in Portland, Dorset. The park has a huge snake run, tons of bumps, and a new bowled corner with coping, making it a dream for transition skaters. The fresh quarter pipe along the northern wall adds even more ways to keep your lines going. The Vibes The scene at Stockwell is as iconic as the park itself. BMXers, bladers, and skaters of all generations keep the energy high. Whether you're a local or just rolling through, there's always someone throwing down lines or just chilling with a beer, soaking up the Brixton sun. The place is fully free and open 24/7, so whether you’re an early morning cruiser or a night shredder, Stockwell is always ready. The Revamp Stockwell has seen some love over the years, and in 2022, it got a massive £500,000 refurb. Lambeth Council teamed up with Friends of Stockwell Skatepark and Betongpark to refresh the surface, enhance the flow, and add some much-needed updates while keeping the original charm. They brought back the red concrete, giving a nod to its 90s and 2000s golden era, and even installed a plaque dedicated to Lorne Edwards and another for BMX legend Charlie Reynolds. How to Get There Stockwell Skatepark is super easy to find, sitting right on Stockwell Road (SW9 9TN). If you’re coming by tube, Brixton Station (Victoria Line) is just a short push away, and tons of buses (2, 196, 322, 333, 345, N2) drop you close by. Why You Gotta Hit It This is one of those parks that never gets old. It’s not about perfect tricks or playing skatepark chess—Stockwell is all about speed, flow, and creativity. The lines are endless, the history is deep, and the locals keep it real. If you love skating, you owe it to yourself to carve a few laps at Brixton Bowls. Keep the legacy rolling!Visit Stockwell skatepark on skate map

Read More

Saintes Bowl Skatepark – A 70s Skateboarding Relic Still Ripping in France

Saintes Bowl Skatepark – The Ultimate 70s Skateboarding Relic If you're rolling through France hunting for concrete history, Saintes Bowl Skatepark is a must-hit. Built in 1978, this old-school beast in Saintes, Charente-Maritime, is a time capsule of transition skating, a place that has seen skateboarding evolve while keeping its roots deep in raw concrete. It’s one of the oldest surviving skateparks in France, and if you love flowing lines, deep bowls, and that pure 70s skate energy, you need to check this spot out. The Story Behind the Concrete Back in the late 70s, when skateboarding was just catching fire in Europe, a bunch of die-hard French skaters came together to fight for a proper spot to ride. Their push paid off, and in 1978, Saintes became home to one of France’s first real skateparks—complete with a gnarly snake-run feeding into two big bowls. The design was straight out of the early skatepark playbook: pure carve-and-flow vibes, built for high-speed slashing and old-school pool-style skating. Unlike so many other early parks that got bulldozed when skating dipped in the 80s, Saintes survived. The concrete stayed, the lines stayed, and even when street skating took over, the bowl stayed waiting. Fast forward 46 years, and Saintes Bowl is still serving up some of the smoothest lines in France. The Spot – What to Expect Saintes Bowl isn’t your typical modern skatepark—it’s a certified transition paradise. The main attraction? A killer snake-run that funnels speed straight into the deep bowls. If you’re into surfing concrete, this place is built for speed, flow, and aggressive grinds. The graffiti-covered walls and worn-in transitions tell the story of decades of skaters leaving their mark. It’s DIY in spirit, but the concrete holds up, and the locals keep it alive. Over the years, BMX riders and skaters alike have kept this place running, and while newer parks have popped up in Saintes, nothing beats this OG bowl. Who’s Shredded Here? This spot has legendary status in French skate culture. Some of the earliest French transition skaters, including pioneers from Bordeaux and Paris, used to session here in the late 70s and early 80s. Through the 90s and early 2000s, skaters on European road trips made pilgrimages to Saintes to experience one of France’s original skatepark builds. No, it’s not as famous as Marseille’s Prado Bowl, but real ones know. If you’ve ever flipped through a French skate mag, chances are you’ve seen shots of someone tearing up the snake-run at Saintes. It’s been featured in local skate zines, YouTube edits, and underground transition documentaries, all celebrating the pure speed and surfy flow this park delivers. Featured in Skate Media Saintes Bowl has appeared in various French skate magazines, blogs, and local news features. It’s been called a “skateboarding relic” and one of the last surviving 70s parks in Europe. While it hasn’t been in massive productions like Thrasher tours, it’s a staple in French skate history and keeps getting rediscovered by new generations. You’ll find footage of the snake-run getting slashed by transition heads on YouTube, and there are a few legendary road trip videos from skaters who hit Saintes along with other old-school concrete parks. If you’re looking for a raw, untouched, no-frills bowl experience, this is the spot. Why You Need to Skate Saintes If you love bowls, speed lines, and history under your wheels, Saintes is calling. It's not just another skatepark; it’s a piece of European skateboarding heritage that’s still shreddable today. Whether you’re into high-speed carves, classic 70s transitions, or just want to session a place that has stood the test of time, Saintes Bowl is an experience every real skater needs.📍 Spot Details: Location: Saintes, Charente-Maritime, France

Read More

SIGN-UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Join the Trucks and Fins community and receive exclusive news, giveaways, access to subscribers-only
-contests, discounts from our partners and much more directly from us!

Testimonials

Trucks and Fins is a huge present to the whole skate community - not just for the skating people, but also for shops, builders and schools. Super easy to use and can't believe how complete it is.

Pascal Lieleg aka Official Bowlshit

Pascal Lieleg

Trucks and Fins is a great resource for checking on local spots if you are traveling or planning a road trip! A one stop resource that is constantly updated with the newest projects as well as those bucket list locations worldwide. The intuitive UI features gps coordinates as well as useful information about shops nearby.

Architect Betonlandschaften

James T. Dickerson

Trucks and Fins provide a great service. Its quick and easy to use and has such a vast amount of parks included, not just in the UK but worldwide. CANVAS Spaces support the cause and fully back what they are doing.

Russ Heideman

Our skate community has been crying out for a comprehensive guide to global skate spots. Trucks and Fins should be commended on their dedication to mapping the world's STOKE!

Maverick Skateparks

Sam Reynolds

Trucks and Fins brings all of the world's skateparks to you all in one convenient place through their endless search for parks around the world. They have park locations, details, images, and more to help plan your next skate quest wherever that may take you. We appreciate their dedication and passion for skateboarding and the amazing gifts that skateparks and skate spots are.

Steve Zanco, Skatepark Respect

Steve Zanco

A big part of skateboarding is about finding Animal Chin - your spirit animal, or in other words: whatever gets you stoked. Could be the right people to roll with, or that special dream terrain. Trucks and Fins has all the best skate destinations in one place; a map of stoke in your hands.

Jan Kliewer, Yamato Living Ramps

Jan Kliewer

-->

Cookie Policy

This website uses cookies or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalized recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy.